Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music

To secure transformative music education for future generations

Stephen Zork conducted the annual “Chasing Away the Blues” concert in the Howard Performing Arts Center on Feb. 21. (Photo by Darren Heslop)

Andrews University has created the Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music with the goal of securing transformative music education for future generations. $1.52 million of the $2 million dollar goal has been raised toward establishing a permanent position for a choral conductor and faculty member in the Department of Music. The endowment honors Stephen Zork, director of choral studies, as he prepares to retire after nearly 35 years of dedicated service.

“As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, choral music education, pedagogy and vocal performance are some of the most profound, biblically-based functions within the schools of the prophets,” Zork shares. “Music education is interdisciplinary and cross-generational … it brings contrasting cultures, social groups and emotional temperaments together in an environment where they can be secure while experiencing the art of vulnerability through disciplined expression.”

The Department of Music at Andrews provides a vibrant musical and learning environment in which students excel artistically and academically, grow in character and spirituality, and engage in acts of service. The department offers several undergraduate programs in composition, education and performance, as well as multiple graduate programs. It also supports numerous ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, University Singers & Chorale, Wind Symphony and more.

“For any college campus, music is always a cultural touchstone,” says Max Keller, chair of the Department of Music. “Because of the music degrees offered at Andrews, we are also a touchstone for the broader Adventist community.”

The department has had a widespread impact on the Adventist music community, with graduates going on to teach and work around the globe. For 34 years, Zork has been a mentor, educator and role model for thousands of these students. Together, he and his wife, Susan, assistant professor emerita of religion, have ministered to generations of college students.

“Stephen Zork has fostered numerous leaders that serve throughout the world in Adventist academies and congregations,” Charles Reid, associate professor of music, affirms. “Choral music is a meeting point, but the welcoming hospitality and the trusting ear of the Zorks has been a cherished cornerstone for the Andrews student body.”

One such student, Jahaziel Gutierrez Escobar, was inspired to pursue graduate studies in conducting when he saw Zork as a guest conductor at the University of Montemorelos’ Alumni Weekend. “I got quickly captivated by the way he taught and conducted the ensemble. That was when I learned more about the choir conducting program at Andrews University, directed by Professor Zork, and began dreaming of pursuing my master’s degree.”

Violetta Matsiuk, sophomore music education student, shares that Zork was instrumental in bringing her to Andrews on a full tuition scholarship. “I came here to study in the choral program because of how good it is and because of what Professor Zork provides for the students and what he is able to teach,” she notes. “I feel like the endowed chair gives me the assurance that the program can be secure, as well as my major.”

The Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music will be the first permanent chair in the music department. “It will guarantee that there is always someone that is the choral conductor here. It solidifies the program,” Keller shares. “It is a huge statement for the University to put that kind of effort into the choral program. For it to be named after Stephen Zork—it’s a huge legacy honor for him. His impact is going to be felt for as long as this institution is here.”

A search to fill the new position will occur as soon as the chair has been fully funded. Gutierrez Escobar reflects, “When an influential leader retires, students and the community expect to see someone with the same or greater professionalism, artistry, enthusiasm and love for teaching as the retiring leader.” Echoing this, Matsiuk adds, “We’re hoping that the next person who comes is definitely led by God into it. We’re looking for someone who would be able to continue what Professor Zork was doing here for so many years, but to find their own interpretation—to bring some other great new things into the program.”

As the department prepares for the endowment to be completed, it continues to expand its reach. In the past year, a new community music school has been established, through which Andrews students have the opportunity to teach local children. Andrews also recently partnered with other Adventist universities to create the Adventist Youth Music Association, which conducts solo performance adjudication and ensemble music-making experiences. The department is also running several festival experiences for high school students, including an upcoming event for wind symphony and piano.

Internally, the department continues to see positive change. “We’ve actually been growing in terms of the number of majors and in terms of the size of our ensembles. It’s really exciting,” Keller says. “Our students, when they graduate, are competing with the top state and private institutions out there. I feel very confident in the level of instruction that they are given.”

Affirming this sentiment, Reid shares, “Our students really are our first consideration as our mission remains: to live and grow together in community with Christ, to join our Creator in creating magnificent art, and to engage and cultivate our God-given talent and intellect for His purposes.”

This emphasis on community and ministry can be felt throughout the University. “Andrews University is the only Seventh-day Adventist higher education institution in the world to offer a master’s degree in choir conducting. Getting my family and me into a Christian environment and having an excellent academic experience were imperative needs,” Gutierrez Escobar says. “That is something that only Andrews University could offer us, and that’s why we decided to come here.”

Those interested in contributing to the Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music can find more information on the Andrews website. A special Celebration Reunion Choir Concert in honor of Zork will be held from April 24–25 in the Howard Performing Arts Center.

As he looks to the future of the department, Zork hopes that his colleagues will continue to be supported, recognized and upheld as they carry out the mission of Christ at Andrews. He says, “Regardless of their instrument, my colleagues train each of their students to the highest artistic and refined level. But moreover, they give each of their students a voice to change the world for the better.”